March date for revamp

The City of Mandurah announced construction work for the $36 million revamp of Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre would formally commence in March.

A City of Mandurah spokeswoman said the toddler and outdoor lap pools at the 30-year-old Pinjarra Road Centre would close to the public in March next year, followed by the remaining pools in July, to allow for stage-one works to begin.

“In order for extensive works in stage one to take place, there will be limited aquatic space from March 2014, with the outside lap pool and toddler pool closed from that time,” she said.

“To reduce the overall impact of the project on the community, all water space will be closed from July 2014.

“A minimum of two lanes for general public access and lap swimming will be maintained from March to July, and the City aims to ensure equitable access to all regular hire groups during this time.”

The spokeswoman said the City had investigated the possibility of keeping some water space open during the redevelopment, but this would result in additional costs and add six months to the redevelopment timeframe.

“With rapidly growing attendances of more than 650,000 visitors per year, the ageing facility at the MARC have been under pressure for a number of years,” she said.

“The extensive redevelopment and refurbishment project will provide a modern, integrated sporting, aquatic and recreational facility that will meet the needs of Mandurah’s growing community.”

The centre is expected to re-open late next year.